Jefferson Memorial

Jefferson Memorial
The Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C.

The Jefferson Memorial is a presidential memorial in **Washington, D.C.**, honoring **Thomas Jefferson**, the **third President of the United States**, principal author of the **Declaration of Independence**, and a champion of liberty, science, and democracy.

Location and Setting

• Located on the **Tidal Basin** in **West Potomac Park**
• Surrounded by cherry blossom trees — a major attraction each spring
• Offers stunning views across the water to the **White House** and **Washington Monument**

Design and Architecture

• Designed by architect **John Russell Pope**
• Inspired by the **Pantheon** in Rome and **Monticello**, Jefferson’s home in Virginia
• Features:

 - A **circular colonnade of Ionic columns**
 - A **dome** rising 129 feet above the rotunda
 - Constructed with white **Georgia marble** and **Tennessee pink marble**

Interior Features

• A **19-foot bronze statue** of Jefferson stands at the center, sculpted by **Rudulph Evans**
• Inscriptions on the interior walls include:

 - Excerpts from the **Declaration of Independence**
 - Jefferson’s writings on liberty, education, and democracy

• The statue faces toward the White House

History

• Construction began in 1939 and was completed in 1943
• Dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on **April 13, 1943, Jefferson’s 200th birthday
• The bronze statue was added in 1947 (wartime shortages initially delayed its installation)

Legacy and Symbolism

• Represents Enlightenment ideals and the founding principles of the nation
• Jefferson is portrayed as a philosopher-statesman, surrounded by his own powerful words
• The memorial aligns symbolically and visually with other monuments on the National Mall

Fun Facts

• Over 3 million people visit the memorial each year
• The site is particularly popular during the National Cherry Blossom Festival
• Jefferson’s image also appears on the nickel and $2 bill

See Also

• Thomas Jefferson
• Declaration of Independence
• Monticello
• National Mall
• Presidents of the United States